GETTY
Sam Allardyce said he was retiring when he left Crystal Palace at the end of last season but it never seemed likely to last.
Such is his standing in the game he was being linked with other jobs within weeks and, not surprisingly, he is now back in the Premier League as he takes charge of Everton in his debut match at home to Huddersfield.
He was clearly not the Toffees' first choice but so serious did their situation become in the month after sacking Ronald Koeman that he now seems a good fit.
His mere presence seemed to lift them to a convincing win in midweek and the Terriers need to be wary at Goodison Park.
"I've always thought Everton was a great club," Allardyce said. "It is a great club.
"Obviously, the club has gone through a difficult spell and hopefully I can put that behind us as quickly as possible and start looking upwards again."
David Wagner is more wary of Wayne Rooney at Goodison Park than Allardyce.
"On Wednesday he showed us his top quality with three goals," Wagner said. "I've seen a few Everton games when I think he was a little bit quiet as well, searching for his role in the team.
"But on Wednesday he found it and we have to make sure we keep him and the whole Everton offensive quiet."
Everton vs Huddersfield kicks off at 3pm.